Posted on 05 September 2010

With Serena Williams out of the running, one established truism at this year’s U.S. Open was that the list of potential champions had expanded. Yet, Caroline Wozniacki’s form the first three rounds is giving many room for pause as she is invariably validating her top billing. With the initial week of competition concluded, here’s a recapitulation of the event thus far and a peak at what’s ahead.

Wozniacki has permitted her opponents only three games on her way to booking her spot into the round of 16. Although Maria Sharapova needed three sets in the first round against Jarmila Groth, since then she has also been stingy. Sharapova allowed Beatrice Capra, the 18 year old American who upended 18th seed Aravane Rezai, just one game in their third round match. As a result, the much anticipated fourth round match between Sharapova and Wozniacki will take place on Monday.

After scraping by to reach the third round, Jelena Jankovic, the 4th seed, had her progress halted by Kaia Kanepi, the 31st seed. Therefore, for Jankovic, the disappointment at the majors go on. Kanepi will face Yanina Wickmayer, the 15th seed and 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist, in the round of 16.

Vera Zvonareva, the 7th seed, has been keeping a low profile while calmly taking care of business. Without dropping a set, Zvonareva is now in the fourth round where she will battle Andrea Petkovic. Zvonareva is clearly the favorite in that clash and with Jankovic ousted, she has a great chance to earn a berth in the semifinals.

Na Li, the 8th seed, and Agnieszka Radwanska, the 9th seed, were booted in the first and second round respectively. With Li sent packing, Dominika Cibulkova was the beneficiary. Cibulkova is alive for the first time in the fourth round at the U.S. Open and will face Svetlana Kuznetsova. Since falling under the tutelage of Amelie Mauresmo’s former coach, Kuznetsova has rediscovered the road to success. Kuznetsova should have no trouble punching her ticket to the quarterfinals for a date with either Sharapova or Wozniacki.

In the bottom half of the draw, Melanie Oudin, last year’s American darling, was bounced in the second round. Franscesca Schiavone, the 6th seed and reigning French Open champion, has finally found her game on hardcourt. The Italian heads to the round of 16 having yet to surrender a set. Schiavone’s next obstacle will be 19 year old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian’s third round showdown with one of the favorites for the title Victoria Azarenka never came to fruition. In her second round match, Azarenka collapsed and was forced to retire. Initially, the problem was ascribed to the scorching temperatures. Later on, the news was released that Azarenka had suffered a mild concussion prior to taking the court which was the culprit for her abrupt egress. With Pavlyuchenkova dominant on hardcourt this season, it will be fascinating to see whether teenage fearlessness or experience wins out.

Posted on 27 August 2010

This week, the U.S. Open draw was disclosed. Caroline Wozniacki, the world number two and 2009 finalist, and Kim Clijsters, the defending champion and world number three, are the top seeds. Yet to fully recover from foot surgery, Serena Williams, the world number one, pulled out a few days ago. In the absence of such a fierce competitor, this presents a sweeping opportunity for Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic, Victoria Azarenka or Wozniacki to emerge as a first time champion at a major. Whether one of these women realizes her potential will be contingent on the performance of those who have previously hoisted this trophy such as Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Clijsters. Here’s a look at how the draw shapes up.

With the biggest title of her career at the Rogers Cup earlier this week, Wozniacki heads into New York with a wealth of confidence. But, being the top seed at a major is an unfamiliar status for the Dane, how she handles the pressure will be key. Wozniacki may need every ounce of mental fortitude to get through the round of 16 where 2007 U.S. Open winner Sharapova will be her likely adversary. In Cincinnati, Sharapova suffered a foot injury. If Sharapova is at full capacity, Wozniacki could find her claim to her first major postponed another year.

After a difficult few months whereby her ranking dropped outside the top 10, Kuznetsova’s game appears to be clicking again as evidenced by a recent title in San Diego. As a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sharapova or Wozniacki, the 2004 U.S. Open champion is someone to keep an eye on in the top half of the draw.

The same applies for 2010 Australian Open semifinalist Na Li who will be searching to go one step further at the U.S. Open. For that to happen, Li may have to knock out Kuznetsova in the round of 16 and stop either Sharapova or Wozniacki in the quarterfinals. Also, Maria Kirilenko and Aravane Rezai are two dangerous competitors who may prevent any of these players from advancing to the quarterfinals.

In the bottom part of the top half of the draw, if the script follows the seeding, Vera Zvonareva and Jankovic will face off in the quarterfinals. Lately though, Jankovic has been plagued by a myriad of injuries resulting in her downfall in the early rounds at the warm-up events. Thus, the Serbian could be ousted in the primary stages by 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer or 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Kaia Kanepi.

Being a Wimbledon finalist in Zvonareva’s case could be a blessing or a curse. In light of that experience, the Russian should have the belief to foil any potential upset in the round of 16 by rivals such as Nadia Petrova or Agnieszka Radwanska. Conversely, Zvonareva’s desire to erase that disappointment could lead to additional pressure and open the door for her counterparts.

If the results of the recent tournaments are any indication, it will be a Wozniacki versus Zvonareva semifinal or an all Russian affair, Zvonareva versus Sharapova. Since Wozniacki defeated Zvonareva in Montreal, the Dane would have the edge. If it comes down to a test of wills between Sharapova and Zvonareva, the former would have the upper hand.

Posted on 15 August 2010

At the Western and Southern Financial Group Women’s Open, Kim Clijsters survived three championship points from Maria Sharapova just as the skies were opening. When the match resumed after a 70 minute rain delay, Clijsters, the 4th seed, changed not only her outfit, but her game. Clijsters worked her way back to rob the trophy from the 10th seed with a 2-6,7-6,6-2 victory.

Although Clijsters had a slim edge over Sharapova in their head to head at 4-3, the latter had prevailed at their ultimate three meetings. However, a lot had taken place since the 2007 Australian Open semifinal, the last time Clijsters and Sharapova clashed. For Clijsters, the wanting of a family and marriage pushed her away from competition for almost two years. Yet, in the summer of 2009, Clijsters marked her returned on tour in grand style with the title at the U.S. Open. Sharapova had a near 10 month absence from the game due to shoulder surgery. Since getting back in May 2009, Sharapova’s serve, one of the principle components which propelled her to three major titles, has been unpredictable.

Strangely enough, it was Clijsters’ serve which was her Achilles heel from the outset. After being ahead 40-15 in the first game, Clijsters double faulted to give Sharapova break point. Despite recovering and salvaging a 0-40 game subsequently, Clijsters could not find any answers to an attacking and aggressive Sharapova. After fighting off two break points to arrive at 2 all, from 15-40, Sharapova aided by miscues from Clijsters got to deuce. Then, when Clijsters’ backhand crosscourt sailed long, Sharapova had her fifth break point. The Russian banked the break when Clijsters committed her fourth double fault. After consolidating for 4-2, Sharapova’s provoked three consecutive backhand mistakes from Clijsters to obtain a second break. Next, with a love game, Sharapova closed out the set.

Clijsters opened the second set with a love hold. Once Sharapova netted a backhand, Clijsters had break point. With a backhand return winner, Clijsters capitalized for a 2-0 lead. But, with two errors and a double fault, Clijsters faced triple break point. With another Clijsters’ backhand going out of play, Sharapova was back on serve. Later, on a deep return by Sharapova, Clijsters dumped her next stroke into the net handing Sharapova double break point. As a result of Clijsters’ forehand up the line landing wide, Sharapova captured the break for 4-3 and went on to consolidate for 5-3. By unleashing on a forehand return, Sharapova struck a winner for match point. With Sharapova sending a forehand crosscourt long, Clijsters got to deuce. Two more championship points followed for Sharapova with Clijsters successfully salvaging both. On the game’s fourth deuce, the rain intensified causing play to be stopped.

When the women took the court after the weather interruption, a new Clijsters quickly guarded serve for 4-5. With Sharapova serving for the title, Clijsters coaxed the Russian into two backhand errors to earn double break point. Thanks to a couple of big second serves, Sharapova brushed those aside for deuce. However, another backhand miscue by Sharapova led to break point for Clijsters. As a result of a double fault, Clijsters leveled the set at 5 all. The second set was decided by a tiebreaker.

By double faulting on the initial point, Clijsters gifted Sharapova a mini-break. The Russian went on to take a 3-0 lead. Because of mistakes by Sharapova including a double fault, Clijsters seized the next five points. After Sharapova erased the mini-break advantage, she double faulted to give Clijsters a 6-4 edge. As Sharapova misfired with the backhand crosscourt on set point, Clijsters was back in contention.

Posted on 27 June 2010

For the most part, the first week at Wimbledon has gone according to plan on the ladies’ side. As a result, defending champion Serena Williams will square off in the round of 16 against the woman who beat her in the 2004 final, Maria Sharapova. Similarly, the projected clash between Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters has come to fruition. This means that tomorrow, two individuals will be disappointed. Let’s analyze how we arrived at this point and what lies ahead in the second week.

Top seed Serena Williams has simply run through her opponents. Likewise, Sharapova has had little difficulty getting to this stage, sending her adversaries home in straight sets. Serena and Sharapova have played seven times with the former winning five of those meetings. Curiously, since the 2004 championship, the two have never battled on grass. In essence, this will be their rematch. A significant factor will be how well Sharapova serves. If the Russian does well in that department, Serena could be in trouble.

Na Li and Agniezska Radwanska who face each other in the fourth round have yet to drop a set in getting this far. Radwanska holds a 2-1 record against Li and both victories have been on grass. But for both Li and Radwanska, the quarterfinals will be a tough ask with either Sharapova or Serena as a rival.

A definite stunner was the dismissal of French Open finalist Samantha Stosur in the first round by Kaia Kanepi. Previously ranked as high as 18 in 2009, Kanepi’s placement dipped to 80. After ousting another seed Alexandra Dulgheru in the third round, the talented Estonian is in the round of 16 . Another surprise is Kanepi’s opponent in the fourth round, Klara Zakopalova. The 28 year old had not gone pass the third round at a major previously. Zakopalova advanced by bouncing 18th seed Aravane Rezai in the second round and trouncing 10th seed Flavia Pennetta in the third.

Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, has been splendid on grass as she attempts to better her fourth round result from last year. Jie Zheng, the 23rd seed, and Victoria Azarenka, the 14th seed, fell victim to Petra Kvitova in the second and third round respectively. Thus, Wozniacki takes on Kvitova in the round of 16. The Dane carried their prior two matches. Furthermore, with Kanepi or Zakopalova as a quarterfinal match-up, Wozniacki truly has a green light to the semifinals.

This was a disastrous week for the French Open winners. The reigning champion Francesca Schiavone went out in the first round. Last year’s title holder and 19th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova crashed out in the second round. Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 victor, bowed out in the first round. Hence, Ivanovic’s ranking of 45 will continue to head toward the cellar.

Posted on 20 June 2010

With the exception of 2004 and 2006 when the Venus Rosewater trophy was leased by Maria Sharapova and Amelie Mauresmo respectively, Venus and Serena Williams have been the proprietor of the Wimbledon title eight out of the last ten years. In fact, the Williams sisters have been interchangeably the winner and runner-up the ultimate two seasons. With Serena and Venus as the top two seeds in 2010, a three-peat in the finals is plausible. However, with Justine Henin having reincorporated herself into the tour with the express objective of hoisting the Wimbledon trophy and compatriot Kim Clijsters a formidable force after rejoining the circuit last summer, a new decade may mark the end of the Williams’ dominance. Here’s a preview of the draw and the potential obstacles for the chief contenders at the All England Club.

If the outcome is as anticipated, Serena will meet Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Despite struggling with her serve since her shoulder surgery, Sharapova has posted some good results the last couple of months. Moreover, Sharapova reached the finals in Birmingham two weeks ago. Thus, depending on how well Sharapova plays, the possibility of an upset is undeniable. With the Birmingham title under her belt, Na Li is a secondary threat in Serena’s section. A semifinalist in Australia where she loss in two tiebreaker sets, Li has the weapons to irritate Serena if she gets to the quarterfinals.

Either French Open finalist Samantha Stosur or Caroline Wozniacki could be Serena’s semifinal opponent. With her recent history at the French Open against Stosur, Serena may have her work cut out for her. Beforehand, Stosur and Wozniacki may have to battle it out in the quarterfinals. Looking further back, Wozniacki may have to deal with Victoria Azarenka the 14th seed in the fourth round and Stosur with Flavia Pennetta the 10th seed also in the round of 16. Since clay is Pennetta’s best surface and with the Italian never making it pass the fourth round, Stosur should prevail. For Azarenka, the finalist in Eastbourne, a knee injury may be the limiting factor regardless of the rival she faces.

Focusing on the bottom half of the draw, the Wimbledon grass seems to have restorative properties for Venus irrespective of her previous results. With two titles and finalists status in Miami and Madrid, Venus is in stellar shape. Venus’ path looks relatively unencumbered until the quarterfinals where she could battle Marion Bartoli or French Open reigning champion Francesca Schiavone. Still with Venus’ past performance, the scales are heavily tipped in her direction.

Posted on 05 June 2010

Nothing is impossible! This was the phrase on the t-shirt worn by Francesca Schiavone’s family and friends today in the French Open final. Schiavone proved the axiom by surprising Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 to grab her first career major. Moreover, Schiavone stenciled her name in history by becoming the first Italian female to prevail at a major.

With eight first serves leading to two love games, Stosur was on a tear to open the first set. Still, Schiavone had no trouble keeping up, connecting on an ace to level things at 2 all. Subsequently, with a deep return, Schiavone provoked Stosur into a forehand error for love-30. However, with her saving grace, the serve, Stosur battled back and capped the game with a forehand down the line winner for 3-2. Using her all court game, especially the volley, Schiavone stayed in touch with Stosur. The pivotal point arrived at 4 a piece. By pushing her rival into three uncomfortable shots which misfired, Schiavone manufactured triple break point. After Stosur salvaged two, she double faulted on the third to give Schiavone a 5-4 advantage. By climbing out of love-30 with an ace and forehand crosscourt winner, Schiavone set up a second set point with a backhand volley winner. When Stosur netted the backhand, Schiavone claimed the first set.

With a deep and low backhand pass, Schiavone caused Stosur to hit the next stroke long. As a result, the Italian had double break point in third game of the second set. However, with a three winners and an unreturnable serve, Stosur guarded serve for 2-1. Then, by punishing second serves, Stosur had her first break point of the day with a forehand up the line winner. Stosur capitalized when Schiavone’s forehand up the line failed. Promptly, Stosur consolidated with a love game for 4-1. Following a quick hold, Schiavone produced a backhand return winner crosscourt, a forehand winner and made Stosur err with the backhand to arrive at love-40. Later, by stabbing at a superb serve, Schiavone got a miscue on a short forehand from Stosur to get back on serve at 3-4. Despite the mounting pressure, Schiavone remained aggressive and comfortably maintained serve. Eventually, the set was settled in a tiebreaker. Schiavone secured a mini-break for 3-2 by tracking Stosur’s dropshot and converting a backhand up the line winner. The Italian extended her lead to 5-2 with a forehand volley winner and forehand crosscourt winner. Subsequently, with a crosscourt backhand volley winner, Schiavone obtained a second mini-break and four championship points. When Stosur’s stroke off the return traveled out of play, Schiavone bagged the second set and the French Open trophy. Schiavone rejoiced by painting her lips red with a clay kiss, duplicating this jubilant sign she had shown in the quarters and semis.

Posted on 30 May 2010

The sun has set on a the first week at the French Open. As usual there were upsets, many of them expected. However, Serena Williams and Justine Henin, two pre-tournament favorites, have not disappointed. As such, the much touted quarterfinal encounter between these rivals is one round away. Here is a synopsis of the main developments of the initial days.

A bunch of big names took a tumble in the bottom section of the draw. Leading the pack was Svetlana Kuznetsova, the defending champion. After a miserable tune-up, Kuznetsova looked every bit the champion in the first round. Moreover, with her back against the wall in the second round, Kuznetsova salvaged four match points against Andrea Petkovic to advance. But, by the third round, Kuznetsova had utilized all her life lines. She was taken down in three sets by Maria Kirilenko.

Victoria Azarenka, the 9th seed, has had a tough year. The 2009 Sony Ericsson champ was schooled by Gisela Dulko, exiting in the first round. But, in the next round, Dulko was herself stunned by South African qualifier Channelle Scheepers. Scheepers reached the fourth round where she was stopped by Elena Dementieva. Another surprise was Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the winner in Rome, also going out in the first round.

As the newly re-minted number two and a finalist in Madrid, expectations were high that Venus Williams would at least make the semifinals. In the first three rounds, Venus forged a statement not only with her attire, but with her play by bouncing her adversaries in straight sets. Yet, in the round of 16, Venus’ game went through a transformation. Although this was their first meeting on clay, Venus had a 4-0 record against Nadia Petrova. Still, Petrova, a 2005 semifinalist, pulled off a straight sets victory. As such, for the fourth consecutive year, Venus was booted prior to the quarterfinals.

A combination of rain and obscurity resulted in a few matches being played over two days. When Aravane Rezai and Petrova resumed their third round with the third set leveled at 7, the French crowd was disenchanted as Petrova walked away with the win. Later that day, France’s last hope, Marion Bartoli, in the top half of the draw, was eliminated in the fourth round by Shahar Peer.

After fighting through Aleksandra Wozniak in the third round and an easy fourth round win, 2004 finalist Dementieva is unquestionably a contender for the finals. Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, is another. Following two uncomplicated rounds, Wozniacki was severely tested by Alexandra Dulgheru and still captured her third match in straight sets. Then, in the round of 16, warrior Wozniacki bested Flavia Pennetta in a three hour duel to move on to her first quarterfinal in Paris. Bothered by an ankle injury, as Wozniacki faces scrappy Fransceca Schiavone, who booted Kirilenko, she may need to duplicated her last performance

Posted on 21 May 2010

Today, the French Open draw was revealed. Because Serena and Venus Williams are the top two seeds, the possibility of an all Williams final exists. However, with Justine Henin, a four time champion, a potential quarterfinal rival for Serena and Venus perhaps seeing Aravane Rezai or Nadia Petrova in the round of 16, the list of spoilers is extensive. Here’s a snapshot of the likely key match-ups which may eventually determine the victor.

After months of being a spectator, Serena rejoined the tour in Rome where she reached the semifinals. Despite an early exit in singles in Madrid, Serena got reacquainted with the surface by prevailing in doubles along with Venus. Serena’s first obstacle would come in the form of Marion Bartoli in the round of 16 since she would play a denizen. Still, Serena’s biggest hindrance lies in the quarters. Serena lost to Henin, the eventual champion, in 2003 and 2007. On the other hand, that match may not materialize as Henin could battle Maria Sharapova in the third round. Samantha Stosur, a semifinalist in 2009 and the titlist in Charleston this year, is another potential tough quarterfinal opponent for Serena.

Following Serena, Jelena Jankovic is the next highest seed in the top half of the draw. With players such as Dinara Safina, Yanina Wickmayer and Vera Zvonareva returning from injury on Jankovic’s side of the draw, she should have an uneven full path to the quarters. Agnieszka Radwanska or Ana Ivanovic could be Jankovic’s quarterfinal adversary. Since her glorious days at Roland Garros in 2008, Ivanovic has slipped. For the first time in months, Ivanovic showed true signs of life with a semifinal posting in Rome. Perhaps it will take Paris to completely get Ivanovic out of her slump.

Venus Williams and defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova flank the bottom half of the draw. So far this year, Kuznetsova’s results have been mediocre. Consequently, for Kuznetsova, it is safe to deduce that a replay of 2009 is a long shot. In the first round, Kuznetsova faces a difficult opponent, Sorana Cirstea. Should she move on, Maria Kirilenko could upset her in the third round. Li Na and Francesca Schiavone could trouble Kuznetsova in the round of 16. Moreover, legitimate stumbling blocks in the quarters for Kuznetsova include Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova, Alexandra Dulgheru and Caroline Wozniacki.

On the other hand, Wozniacki, the third seed, has been hampered by an ankle injury since Charleston. For that reason, Wozniacki has failed to make an impact after winning in Ponte Vedra Beach. In the third round, Wozniacki may see Dulgheru and Pennetta or Safarova in the fourth round. Considering the caliber of those rivals, it’s doubtful that Wozniacki has lasting power.

Posted on 25 April 2010

In the Federation Cup semifinals played in Birmingham, after the U.S. and Russia split the first two rubbers, Melanie Oudin started out the day with a loss. Elena Dementieva defeated Oudin 7-6,0-6,6-3 to put Russia ahead 2-1. An unlikely savior emerged to pull the Americans through. Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat 6-4,2-6,6-3 Ekaterina Makarova in singles. Then, less than one hour later, Mattek-Sands partnered with Liezel Huber trouncing Alla Kudryavtseva and Dementieva 6-3,6-1 giving the U.S. a 3-2 win over Russia and a berth in the finals.

In the initial match yesterday, after being unsettled in the beginning, Oudin found her game. Oudin took the rubber 6-3,6-3 over Kudryavtseva. However, in the second tie, Dementieva despite the reappearance of her service woes fought off Mattek-Sands to prevail 6-4, 6-3.

Today, the first rubber featured Dementieva and Oudin. After each player was broken five consecutive times, each held sending the first set to a tiebreaker. Dementieva got an initial mini-break, but lost her two service points to give Oudin a 2-1 advantage. Again at 3 all, Oudin connected on a forehand winner for a mini-break lead. However, by forcing a string of errors, Dementieva won the next four points to steal the set.

After opening with a service break, Oudin ran away with the second set capturing it at love. In the decisive third set, Oudin got three successive forehand errors from Dementieva to obtain the break for 2-1. However, by conversely pressuring Oudin into multiple miscues, Dementieva equalized the set at 2 all. On the heels of love hold, Dementieva placed a great return thereby provoking an error from Oudin for break point. When Oudin sliced the backhand into the net, Dementieva went up 4-2. After dismissing two break points, Dementieva threw in an ace to consolidate for 5-2. Later, Dementieva closed out the match with a love game to hand Russia a 2-1 lead.

With the U.S. in a must win position, Mattek-Sands faced Makarova in the next match. After allowing two game points to evaporate and handing the break to Makarova to open the set, Mattek-Sands held serve to keep within striking distance. With Makarova serving at 4-3, using sensational defense, Mattek-Sands enticed a backhand error from her opponent for double break point. With a great return followed by a volley winner, Mattek-Sands leveled the set at 4 all. After wiping out break point and holding, Mattek-Sands erased two game points by Makarova to snatch the set.

Posted on 29 March 2010

At the Sony Ericsson Open, for the second consecutive match, Caroline Wozniacki struggled. But, the world number two found a way to prevail 1-6,6-1,6-4 over Maria Kirilenko.

After holding serve, Kirilenko produced a volley winner to set up break point. When Wozniacki’s backhand sailed long, Kirilenko broke for 2-0. Subsequent to consolidating, Kirilenko’s aggressiveness by coming to net paid off again as she captured a second break. Bothered by the humidity and a viral ailment, Wozniacki required a medical time out down 1-4. Kirilenko ran away with the first set the next two games.

As Wozniacki adjusted to the conditions, her play improved. Caroline took control of the second set forcing a decisive third. At 3 all, Wozniacki obtained double break point. Although Kirilenko got to deuce, down the road, with a couple of winners, Wozniacki broke for 4-3. Yet, the next game, Kirilenko erased game point by her opponent and leveled the set at 4 a piece. However, with a forehand error, Kirilenko donated double break point, Wozniacki accepted the gift with a forehand up the line winner. Later, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Wozniacki secured the victory.

From MiamiTennisNews.com:
Q. Do you think it was hard for Maria to play against you knowing she saw something might have been wrong? Was [it] hard for her to change tactics or [did she think] you might not make it the whole match…?
WOZNIACKI: I don’t know. That’s difficult for me to say. She played a great first set, and she gave me the chance to come back in the second, and then I got the belief and I started feeling better. I just kept hanging in there, and my fighting spirit got to me and I was there.

Q. You made it to the finals last week at Indian Wells. Do you think maybe also part of it is fatigue that you’re experiencing with a lot of tennis the last few weeks?
WOZNIACKI: I feel these are just they’re really, really highranked tournaments just under the Grand Slams, and they are almost twoweek tournaments just like the Grand Slams. Everybody is playing. It takes a lot of strength not only physically but mentally, as well. You don’t really get to come down after such a big final, so I think maybe it just got to me. Then I had a huge match the first day where I almost went out, and I just think that just took everything out of me. Again, my fighting spirit didn’t give up, and I’m still here.

Another easier than expected day at the office for Kim Clijsters; she crushed Shahar Peer 6-1, 6-0. In two matches, Clijsters has dropped only one game. Clijsters is unlikely to have a walk in the park her round of 16 match, she takes on defending champion Victoria Azarenka. In great form, Azarenka beat Lucie Safarova 6-4,6-2.

Justine Henin’s third round match against Dominika Cibulkova was a see-saw ride with ten breaks of serve. In each set, Cibulkova got the early break, but failed to impose her will on Henin. With a double break advantage, Henin was broken the first time serving for the match. The second time around, after Cibulkova saved two match points, Henin closed the deal 6-4,6-4. Therefore MiamiTennisNews.com asked Henin:

Q. What was most troubling to you about her game?
HENIN: Well, she plays well, you know, she runs a lot, and she has [a] pretty good backhand. She’s a real fighter. I mean, she has a strong personality, and it was the first time I’ve played against her. That’s never easy to play someone you don’t know. So that was something new for myself. But, I mean, I was glad about my reaction in both sets to come back. And especially after a good win two days ago, it wasn’t that easy today, but I’m glad I’m in, you know, in the last 16.

Henin’s next round opponent is Vera Zvonareva. The latter won in straight sets against Sara Errani.

In the night session, Jelena Jankovic vanquished Elena Vesnina 7-6,6-3. Sam Stosur, Jankovic’s subsequent challenge, stormed back after dropping the first set to Virginie Razzano 4-6,7-5,6-1.